{"product_id":"merlet-xo-cognac-750ml","title":"Merlet XO Cognac 750ml","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMerlet has been distilling Cognac for merchant houses since 1850, and the family's own XO blend, crafted by Gilles Merlet alongside his two sons, Pierre and Luc, represents five generations of that accumulated expertise. The estate spans the Fins Bois and Borderies terroirs directly, and the family works with a broader network of local winegrowers to source and distill eaux-de-vie from crus across the wider Cognac region — primarily Fins Bois, Petite Champagne, and Grande Champagne for this particular blend. Every eau-de-vie is distilled on-site before resting a minimum of ten years in the family's own cherished cellars, developing what the Merlets themselves simply call a \"characteristically Merlet\" fruity, aromatic style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe presentation is genuinely luxurious — the bottle carries the family's own coat of arms embossed directly into the glass, wrapped in a leather-like label in deep brown and gold, finished with a golden stopper. Wine Enthusiast's Kara Newman awarded 92 Points in one tasting, describing \"the hazelnut aroma\" as suggesting \"a rich, sweet brandy,\" though noting \"the palate is surprisingly light and delicate,\" with \"initial nutty, fudgy notes\" quickly giving way \"to lively orange peel and spice, finishing with an elegant hint of violet.\" A separate Wine Enthusiast tasting by Newman, of a different batch, found \"a dark gold hue and aromas of golden raisin and almond,\" the palate opening \"with baked apple, baked pear and cinnamon bun, finishing long and mouthwateringly spiced with a burst of intense alcohol heat.\" The blend also earned 95\/100 in Wine Enthusiast's own Top 100 Spirits of 2017, specifically praised for its \"elegant notes of violet, lively orange peel and a spicy undercurrent.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMerlet's own official tasting notes describe \"dark brown with golden tinges\" in color, the nose \"rich and complex, with an ample aromatic range that goes from orange peel and vanilla to white flowers,\" the palate \"clean, then round and ample, with fine woodiness,\" the fruit notes \"clear and lasting.\" The Whisky Exchange's tasting confirms \"subtle notes of peach, apricot and sweet white grapes, with a spicy undercurrent of ginger, black pepper and oak.\" One independent taster on Cognac Expert found real value in the bottle directly: \"the palate is initially soft but starts to open up big time with good fruit elements and hints of oak. After a few minutes in a snifter the palate becomes richer with light caramel notes... GREAT VALUE. Other X.O.s go for $180++.\" This is genuinely well-reviewed, elegant Cognac from a family with more than 170 years of distilling expertise behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMerlet XO Cognac is produced by Distillerie Merlet, a family Cognac house that has distilled for merchant houses since 1850, now guided by Gilles Merlet and his two sons, Pierre and Luc — the fifth generation of Merlet Distillers. The estate spans the Fins Bois and Borderies terroirs, with the family working alongside a broader network of local winegrowers across the region to source eaux-de-vie for this specific blend, drawn primarily from Fins Bois, Petite Champagne, and Grande Champagne.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEvery eau-de-vie is distilled on-site before aging a minimum of ten years in the family's own cellars. The blend earned 95\/100 in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Spirits of 2017. Bottled at 40% ABV, 750ml.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKara Newman, Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The hazelnut aroma suggests a rich, sweet brandy, however the palate is surprisingly light and delicate. Initial nutty, fudgy notes quickly give way to lively orange peel and spice, finishing with an elegant hint of violet.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKara Newman, Wine Enthusiast (separate tasting):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Look for a dark gold hue and aromas of golden raisin and almond. The palate opens with baked apple, baked pear and cinnamon bun, finishing long and mouthwateringly spiced with a burst of intense alcohol heat.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine Enthusiast — 95\/100, Top 100 Spirits 2017:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Praised for its elegant notes of violet, lively orange peel and a spicy undercurrent.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Whisky Exchange (official tasting note):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A fruity, spicy Cognac, Merlet XO is a blend of eaux-de-vie, matured in French oak casks for at least ten years. The palate offers subtle notes of peach, apricot and sweet white grapes, with a spicy undercurrent of ginger, black pepper and oak.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMerlet (official tasting note):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Colour: Dark brown with golden tinges. Nose: Rich and complex, with an ample aromatic range that goes from orange peel and vanilla to white flowers. Palate: Clean, then round and ample, with fine woodiness. The fruit notes are clear and lasting.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCognac Expert community review:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The nose shows light floral elements with hints of oak coming through. The palate is initially soft but starts to open up big time with good fruit elements and hints of oak. After a few minutes in a snifter the palate becomes richer with light caramel notes. The finish after a few minutes in the glass becomes richer, smoother and very enjoyable. GREAT VALUE. Other X.O.s go for $180++.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDark brown with golden tinges. Rich and complex, with orange peel and vanilla leading into white florals, alongside hazelnut, golden raisin, and almond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRound and ample, with fine woodiness, delivering peach, apricot, and sweet white grape, developing baked apple, baked pear, cinnamon, and nutty, fudgy notes, spiced with ginger and black pepper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLong, spiced, and elegant, closing with lively orange peel, a hint of violet, and lingering warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 293.907px;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eXO Cognac\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABV\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e40%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eMinimum 10 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eFins Bois, Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eDistillerie Merlet — Cognac, France (since 1850)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily Generation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e5th — Gilles Merlet \u0026amp; sons Pierre \u0026amp; Luc\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eWine Enthusiast 92 Points (Kara Newman) · 95\/100, Top 100 Spirits 2017\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle \/ Identity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eAn elegant, fruit-and-spice-driven Cognac — genuine multi-generational family craftsmanship\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromas \u0026amp; Flavors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003eHazelnut, orange peel, vanilla, white flowers, violet, ginger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 19.0028%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 78.2434%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark chocolate desserts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged, nutty cheeses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDried fruit and nut boards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFruit tarts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eBest enjoyed neat, in a snifter, allowing a few minutes to open before tasting — the palate genuinely develops with air.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Breakthru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45190480592962,"sku":null,"price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0363\/8621\/files\/Merlet_XO_Cognac_750ml.jpg?v=1789144264","url":"https:\/\/www.blackwellswines.com\/products\/merlet-xo-cognac-750ml","provider":"Blackwell's Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}